Partners of the Americas kicked off its fourth annual What Works Conference on December 4. For four days, 115 change-agents gathered from 27 Chapters and eight countries to strengthen inter-institutional partnerships and power greater connectivity across the Partners network.

We at the Energy and Climate Partnership of the Americas (ECPA) Senior Fellows Program have been anticipating the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Paris (COP21) all year. As you may know, world leaders, decision-makers, businesses, and activists have gathered in Paris for COP21, running from November 30 – December 11. The event has been the subject of high media scrutiny, as a select group decides the future of our planet for the rest of us.

"Climate change is not a problem for another generation, not anymore," President Barack Obama stated during the Clean Energy Power Plan announcement on August 3, 2015.

This statement sent chills down my arms as I watched President Obama's announcement. The Pentagon now considers climate change to be an immediate threat to U.S. national security. This action plan aims to reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions and increase the use of renewable energy by 32% by 2030 compared to the 2005 levels.

Today is World Environment Day (WED), and this year’s theme is Seven Billion Dreams. One Planet. Consume with Care. In honor of the day, the UN is asking for everyone to pledge to doing “one thing less” to help reduce our negative environmental impact. Why? Because, as Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon puts it: "Although individual decisions may seem small in the face of global threats and trends, when billions of people join forces in common purpose, we can make a tremendous difference."

Today marks the 45th anniversary of Earth Day, and this year's theme is "It's our turn to lead!" It's an important year for the environment - one that could bring a new global climate change treaty, continued divestment from fossil fuels and investment in renewable energy, and a stronger link between economic growth and sustainability. But to achieve these goals requires each of us - individuals, governments, corporations, universities and civil society included - to take a stand and do our part. It can start by protecting our trees.

Pages

Inspired by President Kennedy and founded in 1964 under the Alliance for Progress, Partners of the Americas is a 501(c) 3 non-profit, non-partisan organization with international offices in Washington DC.